HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Aciton Form dated April 8, 1997 t
Item #
Date: April 8, 1997
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: PARKING PROHIBITIONS ON JEWEL DRIVE AND OPAL DRIVE
BACKGROUND:
During the review of the Jewel Park Subdivision that includes the construction of
townhomes on Opal Drive, both staff and the developer, ACI Mechanical, Inc./Dickson
Design Build, believed that parking prohibitions were needed on Opal Drive and Jewel
Drive to enhance traffic safety and efficiency. The measures discussed included
prohibiting parking on the west side of Opal Drive from Jewel Drive south to Patricia Drive,
and on both sides of Jewel Drive from Duff Avenue (U.S.#69) to Opal Drive. Currently,
there are no parking prohibitions on Opal Drive, and an existing alternate-side parking
restriction on Jewel Drive along these sections. Shown on the attached diagram is the
location for the proposed parking prohibitions.
Staff believes that prohibiting parking on both sides of Jewel Drive from South Duff Avenue
to Opal Drive is needed to accommodate the existing and future traffic flow along this
street. Currently, there is an alternate side parking restriction along Jewel Drive that allows
motorists to park on alternating street sides on consecutive days. However, the presence
of parking along this street creates problems due to the existing heavy traffic volumes on
Jewel Drive (3,000 vehicles per day). According to street standards, Jewel Drive should
have a minimum of two 11 - 12' lane widths since it is a collector street that serves to
collect traffic from local streets to distribute to the arterial street system (South Duff
Avenue). However, the lane widths along Jewel Drive are approximately 10' when parked
vehicles are present. With the removal of parking, this lane width would exceed standards
and enhance traffic safety and efficiency.
It should be noted that future traffic volumes on Jewel Drive may be heavier due to the
Jewel Drive/South Duff Avenue intersection improvements slated for construction in the
future. That project includes widening South Duff Avenue to accommodate turning lanes
for traffic entering and exiting the subdivision. These improvements may encourage more
traffic on Jewel Drive since they would accommodate safe and efficient turning move-
ments at the intersection.
Staff also believes that parking prohibition should be designated on the west side of Opal
Drive from Jewel Drive to Patricia Drive. According to developer's plans, there will be very
little on-street parking provided since thirteen driveways will be constructed on this west
side of Opal Drive. It was discussed that due to the extremely short distances between
CAF - Parking Jewel/Opal
April 8, 1997
Page 2
these driveways, maneuvering problems in and out of driveways will result if on-street
parking is utilized. Also, mail deliveries will be hampered in this situation since the mail-
boxes will be located next to the driveways. Staff further believes that on-street parking
should be prohibited to provide sufficient street lane width for bi-directional flow. This is
especially needed for fire and police emergency vehicles. It is intended that visitors and
guests of residents in the townhomes will utilize the on-street parking along Emerald Drive
(located on the west side of the townhouses).
These proposed parking prohibitions are consistent with past City practice of prohibiting
parking along streets with new development. Since completing a 1993 on-street parking
study, it has been the City practice of designating parking prohibitions on any new
subdivision with streets that are 27' and 31' wide. With these widths, parking prohibitions
are needed on one side to provide a two-way traffic flow. With parking present on both
sides of the street, the available street width for traffic is reduced to 15', or one lane of
travel. When this occurs, it not only creates a hazardous situation for traffic, but also
restricts access to emergency vehicles.
Staff has notified both residents and property owners along Jewel Drive and Opal Drive.
Although staff asked for comments and input, no responses were received concerning this
measure.
ALTERNATIVES:
1 . Approve the parking prohibitions on both sides of Jewel Drive from Duff Avenue to
Opal Drive, and on the west side of Opal Drive from Jewel Drive to Patricia Drive.
2. Do nothing.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt alternative
number 1, thereby directing the City Attorney to draft an ordinance designating parking
prohibitions on both sides of Jewel Drive from Duff Avenue to Opal Drive, and on the west
side of Opal Drive from Jewel Drive to Patricia Drive.
COUNCIL ACTION•
46
Proposed ParkingProhibition
Jewel Drive and Opal Drive
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